Web-reeling device with radially compressible members

ABSTRACT

Web-handling apparatus featuring a drive mechanism and configuration common to both the feed and takeup reels and further including radially compressible spring members located about the hub portions of the reels.

United States Patent Richard M. Davidson Northbrook, 111. 837,075

June 27, 1969 Jan. 5, 1971 Bell & Howell Company Chicago, 111.

a corporation'of Illinois lnventor App]. No. Filed Patented Assignee WEB-REELING DEVICE WITH RADIALLY COMPRESSIBLE MEMBERS 10 Claims, 4 Drawing Figs.

242/72 Int. Cl Bllb 15/32; G03b 1/04 Field of Search 242/72,

[56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 3,135,475 6/1964 Dodsworth 242/193 3,289,961 12/1966 Glenn, Jr 242/193 3,326,495 6/1967 DeBruyn 242/129 3,363,852 1/1968 Maxey 242/193 3,432,021 3/1969 Morelli 242/72X Primary Examiner- Leonard D. Christian Attorney-William F. Pinsak ABSTRACT: Web-handling apparatus featuring a drive mechanism and configuration common to both the feed and takeup reels and further including radially compressible spring members located about the hub portions of the reels.

WEB-REELING DEVICE WITH RADIALLY COMPRESSIBLE MEMBERS The present invention relates to apparatus for managing webs such as motion picture films and record tapes.

Conventional web-managing apparatus of the type indicated has: l) a first drive for feeding a web from a supply reel past an intelligence transfer station and (2) another drive for a takeup reel on which the web is collected following intelligence transfer. Each of the drives is a discreet mechanism or power train coupled to the prime mover of a device in which the web is managed.

The present invention features a common drive in managing apparatus for both moving a web past an intelligence transfer station and motivating its takeup reel. Accordingly, one conventional drive mechanism can be eliminated to achieve simplification of construction with attendant savings in materials and labor of assembly, thereby effecting the principal objects of the invention.

Apparatus embodying the aforesaid feature and for effecting said objects include a supply member arranged for rotation to feed a web from a roll thereon. A takeup member is arranged for rotation to receive in a roll aweb fed from the supply member. A station at which intelligence transfer is effected is disposed between the supply and takeup members. Means are provided for continuously and simultaneously angularly driving the supply and takeup members at the same rates to move a web therebetween. In one aspect of the invention, novelty is imparted by means for radially compressing the takeup member during web transfer from the supply member to enable continuous rotation of the supply and takeup members at equal rates. In another aspect of the invention novelty is imparted by coaxially aligning the supply and takeup members.

Further and other objects of the invention will be apparent from the description of the accompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a record player embodying the present invention, parts broken away for purpose of illustration;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a tape deck of a record player embodying a modified form of the invention, a portion of casing shown in section, and parts broken away for the purpose of iilustration;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view according to line 33 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a detailed view in section according to line 44 of FIG. 3.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, there is shown (FIG. 1) only that portion ofa record player which is necessary for an understanding of the invention. However, record player 10 is not limiting on the invention, it being only exemplary of a device for which the invention is adapted. For example, a motion picture projector or motion picture printer might well embody the invention in a' manner which will be readily apparent from the ensuing description.

Record player 10 comprises a casing 12 having an upper wall 14 with an opening 15 to accommodate the mounting and removal of a supply reel or member 16 and a takeup reel or member 18. Reels l6 and 18 comprise apparatus for handling a web 20, such as a record tape for transfer from the former to the latter as will appear presently. Hubs 46 and 48 of the supply and takeup reels, respectively, are adapted for securing opposite web end portions.

A prime mover in the form of a small motor 24 is mounted within a chamber 22 defined by casing 12. The output torque of said motor is transferred to a capstan 26 which projects upwardly from the base 28 of said casing in which said capstan may be journaled by any conventional means. Torque transfer is effected through the medium of an endless belt 30, said belt being entrained about a sheave 32, corotational with output shaft 34 of said motor, and a flywheel 3.6 which is constrained for rotation with said capstan.

Motivation of web 20 from a roll or coil 17 on supply reel 16 into a roll or coil 119 on takeup reel 18 is effected through the agency of capstan 26. It comprises means for simultaneously driving the supply and takeup reels or members 16 and I8 at the same rotational rates, by pulling the web to move it therebetween. A transducer head 33, which may be of conventional construction, defines a station for transfering intelligence relative to a magnetic medium 40 carried in a ribbon longitudinally of web 20, as the web moves in a path between the capstan and the thereto adjacent transducer head. To effect web movement and intelligence transfer, transducer head 38 is adjustably carried from a bracket 42, and under action of a coiled spring 44 tractionally impinges the web against the capstan.

Supply and takeup reels l6 and 18 are coupled with their inner flanges 50 and 51 rigidly connected each to the other by any suitable means, such as by welding or adhesive or with mechanical tie members (not shown) for driving said reels one with the other. Their hubs 46 and 48 are disposed in coaxial alignment, by reason of which said reels can be journaled on a common axle 52. The latter member projects upwardly from a pedestal 55 which is supported from base 22 and proportioned for bearing engagement of hub 48 from above.

A rockable retainer 54 is mounted from an upright or post 56 which is secured or anchored on the casing 12. An axial plug 58 on the outer end portion of the retainer is proportioned for removable reception in hub 46 in axial alignment with spindle 52. In consequence thereof, the assembly of reels l6 and 18, when mounted about spindle 52, is rotatable in releasably retained condition as the capstan rotates to drive web 20.

Each of the supply and takeup reels has radially compressible connecting enabling web feed and web takeup at substantially equivalent rates as capstan 26 is driven. Herein, the radial compressible means for each reel comprises a set of volute springs 60, 62 and 64 which are angularly spaced apart about their associated hub. Each spring has an inner end 61 (FIG. 4) which is rigidly secured to its hub and inwardly turned frec outer end 63. Each set of springs 60, 62 and 64 defines a compressible spacer or core about which convolutions of an associated of rolls 17 and 19 is disposed. The fabrication and proportioning of the springs is such that the outside diameter of the web when completely wound in roll 17 on reel 16 is equal to the outside diameter of the core of reel 18 before said core has any convolutions disposed thereon. This is because the springs of reel 16 are then compressed while those of reel 18 are fully untensioned.

Assume that from the condition described, capstan 26 is driven in the direction of arrow 66 (FIG. 1) causing web movement in the direction of arrows 68 and 70 (FIG. 4). As roll 19 forms about the core of the takeup reel during the initial phases of web transfer, the outer convolutions of web removed from roll 17 successively shorten. In consequence, a tension generates in the web which causes the springs 60, 62 and 64 on reel 18 to compress gradually to accommodate the shortening of successive outermost web convolutions being fed from reel 16. By that means, the outer diameter of the rolls l7 and 19 are maintained substantially equal to one another. At or about the time the tension generated, as aforesaid, is incapable of further compressing the springs of the takeup reel, the compressed springs of the supply overcome the reduced forces of the web holding them compressed and they suddenly expand. In consequence of this phenomenon, the length of web convolutions being fed from the supply reels suddenly increases to relieve web tension thereby enabling continued simultaneous rotation of both of the reels without unduly straining the drive mechanism.

A modified embodiment of the invention has separated supply and takeup reels or members 116 and 118 journaled about independent axes of rotation defined by spaced-apart spindles 158 and 159. Said last supply and takeup member s have compressible volute springs arranged as aforedefined and are coupled together through the agency of a common drive roller 126. The latter comprises means for continuously and simultaneously angularly driving said supply member and said takeup member at the same rotational rates to move a web 120 from one to the other across a transducer head 138 defining an intelligence transfer station. To effect its function, roller 126 is proportioned for simultaneously engaging a flange of each of the members 116 and 118; and thereby is adapted for simultaneously driving the supply and takeup members in opposite directions.

As many changes could be made in the foregoing construction, and as many apparently widely different embodiments could be constructed, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification be considered as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

lclaim:

1. Apparatus for managing a web'such as a motion picture film or record tape in a motion picture projector or record machine and comprising:

a supply member arranged for rotation to feed a web from a roll thereon;

a takeup member arranged for rotation for receiving in a roll a web fed from said supply member;

a station disposed for intelligence transfer relative a web moving between said supply member and said takeup member;

means for continuously and simultaneously angularly driving said supply member and said takeup member at the same rotational rates to move a web therebetween; and

means for radially compressing said takeup member during web transfer from said supply member to enable continuous rotation of the supply and takeup members at equal rates.

2. A combination according to claim 1 in which the driving means includes means for coupling the supply member and takeup member for driving them together.

3. A combination according to claim 2 in which the coupling means is a roller arranged in driving association with said members for rotating said members in opposite directions. 7

4. A web handling system according to claim 1 in which the driving means comprises a component rotationally arranged for tractionally moving a web between said supply member and said takeup member.

5. A combination according to claim 1 in which the compressing means is defined by a plurality of volute springs included in said takeup member and having free outer end and fixed inner end portions.

6. A combination according to claim 1 characterized by means for radially expanding the supply member as a web is fed therefrom, I

7. A combination according to claim 6 in which the radially expandable means is defined by a plurality of volute springs included in said supply member and having free outer end and fixed inner end portions.

8. Apparatus for managing a web such as a motion picture film or record tape in a motion picture projector or record machine and comprising:

a supply reel arranged for rotation to feed a web from a roll thereon;

a takeup reel disposed in coaxial association with said supply reel and arranged for rotation to receive in a roll a web fed from said supply memberj a station disposed for intelligence transfer relative to a web moving between said supply reel and said takeup reel; and means for continuously and simultaneously driving said supply reel and said takeup reel at the same angular rates to move a web therebetween.

9. A combination according to claim 8 characterized by means for coupling said reels for rotation about a common axis.

10. A combination according to claim 9 in which the coupling means rigidly connects the reels together. 

1. Apparatus for managing a web such as a motion picture film or record tape in a motion picture projector or record machine and comprising: a supply member arranged for rotation to feed a web from a roll thereon; a takeup member arranged for rotation for receiving in a roll a web fed from said supply member; a station disposed for intelligence transfer relative a web moving between said supply member and said takeup member; means for continuously and simultaneously angularly driving said supply member and said takeup member at the same rotational rates to move a web therebetween; and means for radially compressing said takeup member during web transfer from said supply member to enable continuous rotation of the supply and takeup members at equal rates.
 2. A combination according to claim 1 in which the driving means includes means for coupling the supply member and takeup member for driving them together.
 3. A combination according to claim 2 in which the coupling means is a roller arranged in driving association with said members for rotating said members in opposite directions.
 4. A web handling system according to claim 1 in which the driving means comprises a component rotationally arranged for tractionally moving a web between said supply member and said takeup member.
 5. A combination according to claim 1 in which the compressing means is defined by a plurality of volute springs included in said takeup member and having free outer end and fixed inner end portions.
 6. A combination according to claim 1 characterized by means for radially expanding the supply member as a web is fed therefrom.
 7. A combination according to claim 6 in which the radially expandable means is defined by a plurality of volute springs included in said supply member and having free outer end and fixed inner end portions.
 8. Apparatus for managing a web such as a motion picture film or record tape in a motion picture projector or record machine and comprising: a supply reel arranged for rotation to feed a web from a roll thereon; a takeup reel disposed in coaxial association with said supply reel and arranged for rotation to receive in a roll a web fed from said supply member; a station disposed for intelligence transfer relative to a web moving between said supply reel and said takeup reel; and means for continuously and simultaneously driving said supply reel and said takeup reel at the same angular rates to move a web therebetween.
 9. A combination according to claim 8 characterized by means for coupling said reels for rotation about a common axis.
 10. A combination according to claim 9 in which the coupling means rigidly connects the reels together. 